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Virtual reality can make you think and feel things you know aren't real. Other media can give you the sense of "being there" -- what's called psychological presence -- but not to the extent that VR can. This unique ability is what makes it so important to understand more about the short- and long-term effects of the technology on kids. Here are some of the key findings from the report:

Everything in VR is more intense. Because the brain processes virtual reality experiences similar to how it processes actual experiences, it can provoke feelings of fear, anxiety, disorientation -- as well as joy and excitement. Also, VR characters may be more influential than characters kids see on TV -- which can have positive or negative effects, depending on the message.

It has major potential -- and serious downsides. VR at its best reveals new worlds and new perspectives that kids wouldn't be able to experience in real life. At its worst, it exposes kids to intense and possibly inappropriate content that feels too "real."

As a teaching tool, the jury is still out on VR.Students are more enthusiastic about learning with VR than without it, but they aren't necessarily learning more effectively.

Even though we don't yet have all the answers to how VR affects kids, we know enough to consider some pros and cons. And whether kids are using VR through a mobile device like Google Cardboard (check out our editor's picks of VR apps), on a console like the PlayStation VR, on a fully tricked-out desktop rig like the Oculus Rift, or at a mall arcade, these guidelines can help you keep any VR experience your kids have safe and fun.

Pay attention to age ratings. Check the recommended age on the headset package and don't let younger kids use products designed for older kids. The minimum age isn't based on medical proof of adverse effects on the brain and vision, but it's the manufacturer's best guess as to who the product is safest for.

Keep it safe. A few precautions: Once you have the goggles on, orient yourself to the room by touching the walls; stick to short sessions until you know how you're affected by VR; stay seated if possible; move furniture out of the way; and have a second person as a spotter.

Pay attention to feelings -- both physical and emotional. If you're feeling sick to your stomach, dizzy, drained, or sad, angry, or anxious -- give it a rest for a while.

Talk about experiences. Since VR feels so real, it's an excellent time to talk through what your kid has experienced in a game. Ask what it felt like, what the differences are between VR and regular games, and how VR helps you connect to other people's experiences by putting you in someone else's shoes.

Find opportunities; avoid pitfalls. Don't let your kids play VR games that mimic experiences you wouldn't want them to have in real life, such as using violent weapons. On the other hand, take advantage of VR that exposes kids to things they wouldn't normally get to see, feel, and learn, such as visiting a foreign country.

Keep privacy in mind. Devices that can track your movements -- including eye movements -- could store that data for purposes that haven't yet been invented.

As Common Sense Media's parenting editor, Caroline helps parents make sense of what’s going on in their kids' media lives. From games to cell phones to movies and more, if you're wondering "what’s the right age for…?"...
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Comments (2)

Virtual reality has not yet become part of our life, but it is already being established in the field of education. See how the human body works, see the construction process of famous buildings, make an incredible journey and much more, which was never even dreamed of by parents. Today virtual reality for kids ( https://invisible.toys/virtual-reality-for-kids/ ) provides such an opportunity .

While I normally agree and appreciate your guidance, on this one I am totally opposed. Children already have problems discerning fantasy from reality. VR now makes the distinction more abstract. Under normal gaming conditions, overstimulation is reported as problematic by both parents and teachers. This media is far more intense and potentially more dangerous to the developing brain. And while parents seek the best for their children, how many will limit play to any reasonable limit, and then process out the experience with their children? Not likely! VR may be fine for well adjusted older adolescents and adults, but it is NOT for younger children. Books, board games, human interaction and bonding with parents through common life experiences is what children need.

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